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2008 Dodge Avenger

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Avenger years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Dodge Avenger are substantially higher than the model-year median of 157.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

722 reports with mileage · 109 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 236 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 219 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 138 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

36 crash reports26 fire reports24 injury reports

What owners actually said

831 reports
12,900 miles · Jan 3, 2012
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WITH A DELAYED RESPONSE. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MEC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WITH A DELAYED RESPONSE. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THE IDENTICAL DEFECT AND BOTH FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED EACH TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE CONTINUOUS MALFUNCTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,900.

NHTSA ODI #10442248

40,000 miles · Dec 18, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

MY 2008 AVENGER STALLS WHEN ACCELERATING. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN IT IS WET AND COLD OUT. IT HAPPENS MOSTLY WHEN YOU ARE AT A COMPLETE STOP AND PUSH THE GAS OR WHEN YOU ARE SLOWING DOWN AND THE ACCELERATE. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN SEVERAL ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS HAPPENING. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DODGE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY…

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MY 2008 AVENGER STALLS WHEN ACCELERATING. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN IT IS WET AND COLD OUT. IT HAPPENS MOSTLY WHEN YOU ARE AT A COMPLETE STOP AND PUSH THE GAS OR WHEN YOU ARE SLOWING DOWN AND THE ACCELERATE. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN SEVERAL ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS HAPPENING. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DODGE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10440316

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2011
SteeringSuspensionTires

WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED WITH 3 YEAR WARRANTY FROM DRIVE TIME. FROM FIRST TIME ON FREEWAY WE NOTICED AT 70 MPH STARTED DEATH WOBBLE. TOOK IT TO DEALERS MECHANIC AND HE SAID NOTHING WRONG .TO GET THE BALANCE DONE . WE HAVE HAD THE BALANCE DONE , ALL 4 TIRES REPLACED WITH MANUFACTURES SUGGESTED SIZE TIRE, AND STILL GET THE DEATH WO…

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WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED WITH 3 YEAR WARRANTY FROM DRIVE TIME. FROM FIRST TIME ON FREEWAY WE NOTICED AT 70 MPH STARTED DEATH WOBBLE. TOOK IT TO DEALERS MECHANIC AND HE SAID NOTHING WRONG .TO GET THE BALANCE DONE . WE HAVE HAD THE BALANCE DONE , ALL 4 TIRES REPLACED WITH MANUFACTURES SUGGESTED SIZE TIRE, AND STILL GET THE DEATH WOBBLE AT ABOUT 70-74 MPH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10438961

Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

VEHICLE ENGINE CUTS-OUT OR STALLS AT DURING DECELERATION OR WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT, AND ONLY ON DAYS IN WHICH IT IS RAINING. I HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER WITH NO LUCK IN SOLVING PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE THE VEHICLE BECOMES HARD TO CONTROL WHEN THE ENGINE CUTS-OUT ALL OF A SUDDEN LOSING POWER TO THE BRAKES AN…

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VEHICLE ENGINE CUTS-OUT OR STALLS AT DURING DECELERATION OR WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT, AND ONLY ON DAYS IN WHICH IT IS RAINING. I HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER WITH NO LUCK IN SOLVING PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE THE VEHICLE BECOMES HARD TO CONTROL WHEN THE ENGINE CUTS-OUT ALL OF A SUDDEN LOSING POWER TO THE BRAKES AND STEERING. VEHICLE STILL EXHIBITS SYMPTOMS OF PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10438624

94,000 miles · Dec 5, 2011
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LIGHTNING BOLT FAILURE ICON APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LIGHTNING BOLT FAILURE ICON APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 94,000.

NHTSA ODI #10438571

70,000 miles · Nov 29, 2011
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine And Engine CoolingFire

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM A USED CAR LOT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO. FROM THE VERY FIRST DAY I PURCHASED THE CAR, I HAD PROBLEMS WHICH ARE RECORDED WITH THE PLACE OF PURCHASE. I WAS TOLD I COULD NOT GET MY MONEY BACK. THE ONLY REMEDY OFFERED WAS FOR THE ACTUAL CAR DEALERSHIP WHO SOLD ME THE VEHICLE WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. THE FIRS…

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I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM A USED CAR LOT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO. FROM THE VERY FIRST DAY I PURCHASED THE CAR, I HAD PROBLEMS WHICH ARE RECORDED WITH THE PLACE OF PURCHASE. I WAS TOLD I COULD NOT GET MY MONEY BACK. THE ONLY REMEDY OFFERED WAS FOR THE ACTUAL CAR DEALERSHIP WHO SOLD ME THE VEHICLE WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. THE FIRST PROBLEM IV'E HAD STARTED WITH THE HEAD LIGHTS, IT THEN WENT ONTO MY ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT GIVES MILEAGE, WARNINGS ECT WENT OUT. SOON AFTER THAT THE ALARM SYSTEM, HORN ,AND DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM. THERE AFTER "A PIN" IN WHICH HOLDS THE GEAR IN PLACE WENT OUT AND WOULD NOT OPERATE. THE NEXT THING THAT WENT OUT WAS THE ENTIRE AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING SYSTEM. ON OR AROUND APRIL 12 THERE WAS A WHAT LOOKED LIKE A SPARK NEAR THE AIR CONDITIONING PANEL. WHEN I REMOVED THE PANEL, THERE WAS EVIDENCE THAT THERE WAS A SMALL SPARK OR FIRE THAT ACTUALLY MELTED A SWITCH ON THE COOLING AND HEATING ELEMENTS. IT HAS YET TO WORK SINCE THEN. TODAY THE 11/29/11 MY CAR COMPLETELY STALLED WHILE I WAS TURNING INTO A VERY DANGEROUS INTERSECTION. THIS CAR IS A TOTAL DEATH TRAP WAITING TO HAPPEN. UNFORTUNATELY I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF 3 CHILDREN WITH VERY LITTLE OPTIONS FINANCIALLY TO DO OTHERWISE. I HAVE ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES TO SCHEDULE RECALLS TO BE FIXED BY THE DODGE DEALER AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN HELPFUL AT ALL. THERE IS NO RENTAL CAR OFFERED AND THE ESTIMATED TIME OF REPAIR IS NOT FEASIBLE. I HOPE THIS INFORMATION WILL HELP. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10437664

40,000 miles · Nov 21, 2011
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A CLIMATE CHANGE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A CLIMATE CHANGE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE WIRING FOR THE AIR BAGS WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V240000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDAATED 12/22/11*LJ UPDATED 03/12/12

NHTSA ODI #10436620

66,000 miles · Nov 14, 2011
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN A SEMI-TRUCK CRASHED INTO THE FRONT AND DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT REFERENCE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN A SEMI-TRUCK CRASHED INTO THE FRONT AND DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V240000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THERE WERE SEVERAL FAILURES IN WHICH THE VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. A LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACED THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL. THE DEALER OFFERED TO ASSIST THE CONTACT WITH THE STALLING DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000.

NHTSA ODI #10435561

92,000 miles · Nov 8, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOOSE POWER ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE FOR THE VEHICLE TO DRIVING NORMALLY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE WAS…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOOSE POWER ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE FOR THE VEHICLE TO DRIVING NORMALLY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,050.

NHTSA ODI #10434923

19,014 miles · Nov 3, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

THIS IS A CAR IMPORTED INTO MEXICO. MANUFACTURED AT USA CAR JUST STARTED SHAKING, TOOK IT TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER/SERVICE CENTER WHO IS NOW ARGUING IT IS NOT WARRANTY DESPITE CAR HAD SERVICE AT 30,000 KM AND PREVIOUS MAINTENANCES. NO REASON THAT A MOTOR MAY PRESENT THIS KIND OF BIG FAILURES WITH JUST 30000 KM. NO ALARMS SHO…

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THIS IS A CAR IMPORTED INTO MEXICO. MANUFACTURED AT USA CAR JUST STARTED SHAKING, TOOK IT TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER/SERVICE CENTER WHO IS NOW ARGUING IT IS NOT WARRANTY DESPITE CAR HAD SERVICE AT 30,000 KM AND PREVIOUS MAINTENANCES. NO REASON THAT A MOTOR MAY PRESENT THIS KIND OF BIG FAILURES WITH JUST 30000 KM. NO ALARMS SHOWN ON CONTROLS NOR OTHER WARNINGS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10434113

Official recalls

6

08V152000 · Electrical System:wiring

Apr 2, 2008

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 180,963 MY 2007-2008 SEBRING AND DODGE AVENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A STANDARD TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS). UNUSED ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR THE TPMS MAY BECOME CORRODED AND COULD SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN CAUSE A VARIETY OF CONDITIONS INCLUDING ENGINE NO-START, DEAD BATTERY, AN INOPERATIVE CRUISE CONTROL OR REMOTE START SYSTEM, AND/OR ENGINE STALLING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: ENGINE STALLING COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL SEAL THE WIRES FOR THE TPMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

07V473000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly

Oct 10, 2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE ENGINE COOLANT MAY BE DRAWN INTO THE LEFT RADIATOR COOLING FAN MOTOR CONNECTOR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT AND RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CONNECTOR FOR CONTAMINATION OR DAMAGE, INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS OVERLAY, AND REPLACE THE FAN MOTOR FREE OR CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

07V426000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Sep 13, 2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND COULD SEPARATE. THIS CAN CAUSE THE FUEL TANK TO LOOSEN AND LEAK FUEL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERBODY FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK RETENTION STRAPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

07V414000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Sep 12, 2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE FRONT DOOR LATCH CABLE MAY BECOME PARTIALLY UNSEATED FROM THE INTERIOR RELEASE HANDLE HOUSING POSSIBLY CAUSING THE LATCH TO STICK IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION OR THE LOCK FUNCTION TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH AN UNLATCHED DOOR CAN RESULT IN AN UNBELTED FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT FALLING OUT OF THE VEHICLE OR BEING EJECTED IN A CRASH, CAUSING INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A SECONDARY RETENTION FEATURE TO BOTH FRONT DOORS. THIS ACTION WILL SUPERSEDE AND EXPAND A PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL (PLEASE SEE 07V-104). THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

07V240000 · Air Bags:frontal

Jun 13, 2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSORS UTILIZED FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSORS AND REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALLBEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

07V104000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Mar 15, 2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT DOOR LATCH CABLE MAY BECOME PARTIALLY UNSEATED FROM THE INTERIOR RELEASE HANDLE HOUSING CAUSING THE DOOR LATCH TO STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION AND NOT BE SECURED TO THE STRIKER.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS, THE POSSIBILITY OF A DOOR OPENING COULD CAUSE AN UNBELTED PASSENGER TO BE EJECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy: THIS ACTION IS SUPERSEDED (PLEASE SEE 07-V414.) DEALERS WILL ADD FREE OF CHARGE A SECONDARY FEATURE TO BOTH FRONT DOORS TO PREVENT THE DOOR LATCH CABLE FERRULE FROM BECOMING UNSEATED AT THE INTERIOR FRONT DOOR RELEASE HANDLE HOUSING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

AQ10001 · Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit

Opened Nov 18, 2010 · Closed Dec 28, 2015

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other

On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.